Category Archives: Book Review

Needle by Patrice Lawrence

Needle, Patrice Lawrence’s latest YA novel for Barrington Stoke is a compelling and unforgettable read exploring the issues and difficulties faced by young people growing up in care. A short but profoundly affecting novella this is a book to read … Continue reading

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Blog Tour: The Hunt for David Berman by Claire Mulligan

The Hunt for David Berman, a debut by Claire Mulligan is an adventure set during World War 2 with a touching bond between two boys from very different families at the centre of its exploration of how war affects families. … Continue reading

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Children’s Books for Football Fans from Barrington Stoke

In the mid 90s I used to scan the local library shelves for children’s books even slightly linked to football in an attempt to find something to satisfy my two football mad sons. I needed something that wasn’t too overwhelming … Continue reading

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Resist by Tom Palmer

Tom Palmer writes meticulously researched historical fiction that always respects both his subject and his young readers; his new novel Resist is a shining example of his care. A book inspired by the teenage years of Hollywood star Audrey Hepburn … Continue reading

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Tutankhamun’s Treasure by David Long illustrations by Stefano Tambellini

Who can resist the idea of a treasure hunt? This latest offering by award winning author David Long for Barrington Stoke taps in to that desire to search and find, to follow maps and clues in search of long lost, … Continue reading

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Happy 10th Birthday to Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton

Can it really be ten years since we met George? This month marks the publication of a special ten year anniversary edition of this hilarious, clever picture book by Chris Haughton so it is a good time to explore what … Continue reading

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Pick of the Picture Books – March

There are only thirty two pages in a picture book. Not much space to say a great deal you might think. This month two new picture books arrived on my shelves that say a great deal through both their words … Continue reading

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The Secret of the Treasure Keepers by A M Howell

The Secret of the Treasure Keepers, A M Howell’s latest historical novel for children is an atmospheric mystery in which clues are uncovered like small pieces of treasure found in the archeological dig that inspired the story. With family secrets, … Continue reading

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The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

The Secret Sunshine Project is a fitting title for a book that fizzes with positivity. Benjamin Dean’s second middle grade novel is a gentle and understanding look at a family learning to live with loss. A story of kindness, courage … Continue reading

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Nour’s Secret Library written by Wafa’ Tarnowska illustrated by Vali Mintzi

Inspired by a true story and the author’s own childhood experience, Nour’s Secret Library conveys the comfort and hope books and libraries offer in times of struggle. The thoughtful text and stunning illustrations work together beautifully to depict the power … Continue reading

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